Hyundai Creta: Style Meets Substance
The last vehicle here is the Creta — Hyundai’s fantastically successful SUV that sold over 4.5 lakh units in India in its original form. Launched in March 2020, this is the Creta’s second avatar and it is better than ever before. While the sporty SUV silhouette is still present, the actual aesthetic has been completely reworked.
Attractive additions include that distinctive cascading grille and the unique Trio Beam LED headlamps with a crescent-shaped LED DRL arrangement framing it. Adding to the Creta’s confident profile are the 17-inch alloys and cladding all around. You can see the meticulous level of detail put into the design when you see the same crescent style of the DRLs incorporated in the tail-lamp units as well. The arching contrast C-pillar, chrome handles, integrated roof-rail, and swank spoiler all add to the Creta’s kerb appeal. The introduction of puddle lamps integrated into the auto-fold ORVMs add to the incomparable experience of interacting with the Creta. The interaction only gets better when you step on the stylish metallic scuff plates and climb in.
The first thing that’s likely to catch your eye is the massive sunroof that lends the cabin a bright, airy feel. The air itself in the Creta is crisp and clean thanks to an Auto Healthy Air Purifier. Ambient lighting sets the mood as you notice the richness of the material adorning the seats and dash and the soft-touch plastics seamlessly integrated into the design of the cabin. Of course, there are ventilated seats in here, too, and Blue Link technology, this time with over 50 features, including remote start/stop, voice-operated sunroof, monthly vehicle health report, and a whole lot more. You even get connected car features that are operable by a smartwatch. The eight-speaker Bose sound system and 25.03-cm infotainment system bring the party to every drive. If you’re a second-row passenger, window blinds, dedicated air-vents, and reclining seats all add to the comfort quotient.
The Creta also offers multiple engine options, including the 1.5-litre MPi petrol, the 1.4-litre turbo-petrol, and the 1.5-litre diesel. The outputs from these are 115 hp and 144 Nm, 140 hp and 242 Nm, and 115 hp and 250 Nm respectively. The 1.5 petrol comes with a six-speed manual or an IVT automatic, the turbo-petrol comes with a seven-speed DCT and paddle shifters, and the diesel option can be had with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed torque converter.
Safety-wise, the Creta gets six airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control with traction control modes for enhanced off-road capability with Snow, Sand, and Mud options available, Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management Control, and Hill Start Assist Control.
A segment leader like the Creta can only earn that position through superior quality and fantastic pricing and the new Creta definitely combines both these attributes, because the pricing for the new Creta starts at an affordable Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom).
